commander

1 of 2

noun (1)

com·​mand·​er kə-ˈman-dər How to pronounce commander (audio)
Synonyms of commandernext
1
: one in an official position of command or control: such as
a
: commanding officer
b
: the presiding officer of a society or organization
2
: a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant commander and below a captain
commandership
kə-ˈman-dər-ˌship How to pronounce commander (audio)
noun

commandership

2 of 2

noun (2)

com·​mand·​er·​ship kə-ˈman-dər-ˌship How to pronounce commandership (audio)
: the rank or title of commander

Synonyms of commander

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Noun (1)

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Examples of commander in a Sentence

Noun (1) a surrender of the fort by the commander without a single shot having been fired the intrepid commander of the HMS Surprise
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
As Cifaldi and his companions started hiking out, the pole awkwardly sticking out of his side, Stillwater County Search and Rescue team commander Ty Williams monitored the group's progress via a dispatcher who took calls from the group. — CBS News, 30 July 2026 Ukrainian drone commanders are honing their targeting of Russian refineries and leaving swaths of Crimea with no fuel or power, while Russia ramps up attacks on Ukraine’s gas stations. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 30 July 2026 For positioning and navigation, communications, missile warning, surveillance and other critical missions, commanders must have multiple independent paths. — Charles Beames, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Ukraine touts strikes on more than 200 Russian vessels and other targets as a new commander expands long-range operations, while Russian glide bombs pound Kharkiv and prospects for peace remain distant. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commander

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commander was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing commander

Rhymes for commander

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Browse Nearby Words

commandeer
commander
commander in chief
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Cite this Entry

“Commander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commander. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

commander

noun
com·​mand·​er kə-ˈman-dər How to pronounce commander (audio)
1
: one in official command especially of a military force or base
2
: a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of captain
commandership
-ˌship How to pronounce commander (audio)
noun

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